It took a lot to get noticed on the Celtics teams of the 1980s. Those squads included legends like Larry Bird and Kevin McHale, as well as outspoken stars such as Dennis Johnson. Yet Robert Parish still managed to get his due while going about his business quietly and professionally.
Parish, the Hall of Fame center and nine-time NBA All-Star, celebrates his 59th birthday on Thursday. He retired in 1997 at the age of 43 as the NBA’s only grandfather, bringing to an end a 21-year career defined not only by performance, but durability. Parish never missed more than 10 games in a season until his final campaign with the Bulls in 1996-97.
Parish has retreated from the public eye, but he has not been far from the game. Earlier this summer, Parish spoke with NESN.com prior to being honored at The Tradition at the TD Garden.
Check out Parish’s thoughts on both of the Celtics’ “Big Threes” in the video below.
